The Team Behind Franca Are Bringing A Sunny Serve Of Mediterranean Cuisine To Sydney

Eat, Sydney / 16 February 2022

Potts Point welcomes fine diner, Parlar – An ode to Barcelona and the French coastline.

Escaping Sydney winters in search of Mediterranean summers might feel a little like a distant memory, but come March our very own patch of the Med will open in Sydney.

Restaurateur Andrew Becher, owner and operator of French brasserie Franca, will open Parlar – a Catalan-inspired restaurant and bar right in the heart of Potts Point.

The menu, designed by Executive Chef, Jose Saulog showcases an interpretation of Catalan and Mediterranean influenced dishes utilising the best seafood Australia has to offer, served as tapas-style share plates. The share style format sets the tone for a lively experience, bringing a Mediterranean buzz to a fine dining offering.

Nothing screams Mediterranean vibes more than that first sip of Sangria and this signature cocktail list will immediately transport you to lands far away. Imagine, the sun doesn’t set ‘til 10pm and it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere. Cocktails include ‘A Twisted Sangria’ (Grenache, Cognac, House Strawberry Cordial, Blackcurrant, Navel Orange, Ginger Beer). The bar program offers 10 seasonal Signature Cocktails inspired by the Mediterranean Sea, Catalonia featuring spices, herbs and fortified wines, representing Northeastern Spain.

From the design to the food and drink menus, Parlar is heavily influenced by Becher’s travels through Europe capturing the ultimate combination of Catalan and Mediterranean culture and cooking. 

Andrew says, “On all my travels throughout Europe, I always stopped by Barcelona. You could say I have a long-standing love affair with the city. I love the Catalonian coastline and surrounding regions, in particular the Perpignan area of southern France which has a strong influence on the Parlar cuisine.”

From small tapas dishes such as the super savoury anchovy churro, to a more substantial dish of fideuà marinara (a Valencian dish similar to paella but with pasta, instead of rice) each dish guarantees a bomb of flavour completely unique to this part of the world. 

The design of Parlar is a collaboration between Becher and Josh Clapp of interior firm Steel & Stich. The room will feature warm Mediterranean colours and tones, with luxurious touches of Gallio and Rosso marble, and European oak timber. Banquette seating wraps around the room, and there’ll be a strong art focus with works from 70’s American artist, Alex Caulder.

Parlar is located at 3/81 Macleay St, Potts Point NSW 2011. Visit www.parlar.com.au for for info.